The Penis Festival

In Kawaski, Japan I attended the 2019 the Shinto Kanamara Matsuri or the Festival of the Steel Phallus. The ceremony takes place at Kanayama Shrine each spring usually the 1st Sunday in April.

I'm a bit of a planner so we got the area the day before the celebration officially began. It was the best thing EVER! We were able to see and appreciate the tiny shrine without the hordes of people.
Here's some pictures of the shrines outer buildings.

The ceiling of one of the outdoor the shrines

Close up the ceiling (didn't want you to miss it)

More ceiling

On the wall

On the Shrine beams

On the Walls

Prayer plaques with hand drawn art

How did all this get started?
"The legend being that a jealous sharp-toothed demon hid inside the vagina of a young woman the demon fell in love with and bit off penises of two young men on their wedding nights.^[6] After that the woman sought help from a blacksmith, who fashioned an iron phallus to break the demon's teeth, which led to the enshrinement of the item.^[7] This legend in Ainu language was published as "The Island of Women" by Basil Hall Chamberlain" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanamara_Matsuri)

Here's the iron phallus that defeated the demon. 

 
"The Kanayama Shrine was popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection from sexually transmitted infections.^[9]
It is also said the shrine offers divine protections for business prosperity, and for the clan's prosperity; and for easy delivery, marriage, and married-couple harmony.^{[citation needed]}
The festival started in 1969.^[10] Today, the festival has become something of a tourist attraction and is used to raise money for HIV research."^{[11]"  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanamara_Matsuri)}

Part of the parade

Treats sold in the shops along the path to the Temple

More shopping

Shopping on the Shrine grounds prior to claiming my place

 We got there at 830am. The parade was due to start at 1130pm. By 9:15 they roped off the Shrine grounds and people could wait outside. There were thousands of people gathered to celebrate.

Two of the Priestesses in training

The Priest after he blessed the floats & the carriers

Cause everyone needs something to suck on...

Me & a lovely man from San Fran

Fashion

Before a million people came... (pun intended cause this is me and I am obligated!)

So if you happen to be in Japan the first Sunday of April (which usually means cherry blossoms) you might want to celebrate.

Many hugs, Z.